Univocally, 2012

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Univocally. 

In many ways the bells project 'Univocally' is a sequel to the Pietà I 'received' for my first solo exhibition SOLO: the maker ain't so lonely as before in Het Concertgebouw in 2010. It also builts on my interest in ceramics. This series of Russian made porcelain bells is about the precarious relationship between the viewer and the maker. 'Univocally, 2012' is not just another souvenir-styled gift. The title of the project describes my artistic desire to go into an existing production. Univocally is about the different trades within one process, working together to produce a single object, driven by perhaps a single purpose. The word univocally also responds to the sound of a bell, whether or not these seven casts ever will sound in unison. Six of seven sculpted, moulded and cast pieces will be handpainted in the little workshop (in Krasnodar, Russia) in which I have worked and intiated this project, concluding a period of two motnth work, now almost a year ago. The calm and collected voice of all who participated was suddenly threatened, breaking any claimes of my utopic 'artistic' ideals. Divorce, disagreements and a threatening closure of the workshop, all endangered the precarious voice that was to enchant the viewer the moment it was finished. 

Now, almost a year later, the project is finally nearing completion. Revealing more and more of the importance to work together in unison in order to produce the desired outcome. The time it took encompassed lots of changes in the design of the bell and redefinitions of the project. What didn’t change was the title, which appeared, just like the bell, to be a beacon and a form of meditation. Just like 'SOLO' in 2010, the anticipated result of this collected effort may suprise each and everyone of us and might start a whole new story of it's own.

Univocally, 2012 is a project by Gerb95, Krasnodar and Christian van der Kaap with the support of Marina Elenskaya, connecting not only our difference in views but also the stretch in language. 

Freedom / Vulnerability, 2012

Univocally, 2012

Univocally, the project we are working on hard to complete just got sponsored by the Materiaalfonds and Stichting Stokroos.

Univocally, 2012

The presentation Univocally is an investigation into the ethics of cooperation and a reflection on contemporary crafts. Finally not ambiguous and multi-interpretable title. Since my first solo exhibition (SOLO: the maker ain't so lonely as before, 2010) I have aimed to produce work conducted by others. Driven by the theme of loneliness, I have invited craftsmen to make work attributed to an insecure and unfamiliar situation. The voice of the craftsman which has become known as merely executive, is asked to reassert itselves in the arts and towards the viewer. The open dialogue between artist and maker produces an unpredictable voice that appeals to the public even though it might not be fully understood. As a result of an intimate collaboration in which I restored an old mould for a porcelain producer in Krasnodar, Russia a series of seven (of which six hand painted) bells are created. 'Univocally' expresses their understanding of the production process, where all employees are required to look in the same direction in order to deliver a successful product. Indicating my desire as an artist to enter into an existing production, we speak from one mouth and explore the form and sound of a bell. As a result, various voices inside and outside the arts together create a single presentation. A sound for those who like to relate to art but are uncertain about their contribution.

More Soon...

Vernacular Sculpture, 2011

Title: Height, Date of original production: 1960

Title: Girl sculpts a dove, Date of original production: unknown

Title: golden ass, Date of original production: 1964


During my residency in Krasnodar, Russia I got in contact with a small porcelain sculpture facility in the area. In difficult economical times the large porcelain sculpture factory 'Чайка' was forced to close. Well known for their objects for domestic use. Depicting leisuring workers, mothers and known stories. These guys got their hands on some of the old moulds left outside the factory. We agreed on a collaboration, in which they allowed me produce a new sculpture based on one of these master molds.

More Soon!

When you sell the stuff you're fixing, 2011

When you sell the stuff you're fixing (sneak preview)

18/06 03/07 ZOLDER MUSEUM www.zoldermuseum.com

Opening 18/06 20:30

Special Thanks to:

_David Kaus and Denis French of the National Museum of Australia, Melbourne. For replying to my every enquiry about the 'interactive object from the indigenous section intended to give visitors some experience in using grinding stones.' (www.nma.gov.au)

_Ewa Perlejewska of Olctyn, Poland - Ceramist, Porcelain specialist

_Lanfranco Sernesi from Monaco Metropolitano of Florence, Italy. Traditional solutions to the contemporary needs of workers, students and travelers counting on the research for harmony to resolve any apparent contradiction (www.monacometropolitano.com)

_Mark Palmans from Atelier L'ombelico, Neerpelt, Belgium - Letterpress, roadsignals, cavedrawings, 3d chrome, afro art, references, contact (www.letterzetter.be)

Leer, 2011

As a succession to the SOLO project I visited Florence, Italy with the plan to make a fine leather apron with a craftsman. Accepting it as a gift I promised to commit myself to making again. I got captivated by the craft and the transformation of leather over time. I decided to order two 'identical' aprons. One made for wearing, the other for presenting.

The Guardian, 2011

I presented a number of works in the context of an evaluation at the academy. Another attempt the curate works in an exhibition. Each student invited up to five experts. An expert of your work can be a good friend, colleague from work, one you always wanted to show what you're up to or someone who works in a completely different discipline, but whose natural authority bridges that gap. These people are approached as exclusive guests of the exhibition. Making it into a special chance give ones work away in confidence. Given my interest in asking people to do things for me, I have seized this opportunity to invite my experts to speak about the history of sculpture in accordance to my work. In response to this invitation, they will became part of the work "The Guardian, 2011"

Opening 16th february 16.30. On show till 18.02.2011 in the exhibition 'And by the way, this picture has great significance because... in the KABK gallery

All the single ladies, 2011

An onyx sculpture made for carrying in your pocket.

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Pure M, 2010

Pure M, 2010 (carved out chocolate letter 'M'  presented in box)

as a gift for Marina Elenskaya

1:21

For a little girls' first birthday